Brussels: Taiwan’s Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim marked a significant milestone with her visit to the European Parliament in Brussels, addressing the annual summit of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC). This visit marked the first time a Taiwanese vice president has spoken at the European Parliament, underscoring Taiwan’s commitment to fostering international relations and democratic values.

According to Focus Taiwan, Vice President Hsiao’s speech, titled “Taiwan: A Trusted Partner in a Volatile World,” emphasized the shared democratic values between Taiwan and Europe. She highlighted the importance of upholding democratic values, sustaining peace, and the vital role of democracies working together to address global challenges. Hsiao emphasized that despite cultural and historical differences, both regions are united by pluralistic societies that value open discourse and accountable governance.

Vice President Hsiao elaborated on the common challenges faced by democracies, including military pre
ssure, cyberattacks, and economic leverage used for political compliance. She urged for a collective effort to preserve a rules-based international order rooted in peaceful cooperation. Hsiao stressed that Taiwan is committed to increasing its defense investment, targeting 5% of GDP by 2030, while also focusing on building societal resilience and aligning local and national efforts in defense and emergency preparedness.

In her address, Hsiao also spoke on economic resilience, citing Taiwan’s role in the global technology supply chain and its strategic partnerships, particularly in the semiconductor industry. She highlighted Taiwan’s collaboration with global partners to diversify supply chains and reduce vulnerabilities, underscoring Taiwan’s contributions to a secure and resilient global economy.

Hsiao concluded her speech by reinforcing Taiwan’s indispensable role in the global conversation on peace, prosperity, and democracy. She called for deeper collaboration in trade, tech cooperation, societal resili
ence, and global inclusion, while emphasizing the need for peace in the Taiwan Strait as essential to global stability.

Hsiao’s historic address at the European Parliament signifies Taiwan’s ongoing efforts to engage with international communities and uphold democratic values on the global stage.